In addition to fulfilling her duties as a minister’s wife, Marcia Macdonald Livingston wrote short stories for adults and children. She frequently contributed to The Pansy magazine and co-authored novels with her sister, Isabella Macdonald Alden. Her daughter was best-selling Christian novelist Grace Livingston Hill.
To read Marcia’s stories, follow the links below to Bookfunnel.com. Then, choose whether you want to read the story on your computer, phone, iPad, Kindle, or other electronic device. Or choose the e-mail or PDF options to print the story or share it with friends.
Deacon Bates’ Wife
Deacon Daniel Bates takes great pride in his thrifty, hard-working wife, Cynthy, unaware that decades of unceasing labor have taken a toll on her spirit. It takes a keen-eyed summer guest and a dose of plain speaking to open the deacon’s eyes before it’s too late.
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A Happy Summer
For sisters Jessie and May, life in a hot, cramped city attic makes the country feel like a distant dream. With their widowed mother working day and night to keep a roof over their heads, a summer filled with green fields and fresh air seems impossible. But when an unexpected act of kindness opens the door to a new life in the quiet village of Woodbury, the Wilson family discovers the joy of answered prayers and the simple beauty of nature.
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Benjamin’s Wife
After a life of sacrifice, widowed Mrs. Kensett finds herself treated like a burden by her adult children. She expects more of the same from her youngest son and his new wife, only to find an unexpected sanctuary at long last.
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His Friend
Wealthy Mr. Thornton finds his greatest pleasure in carrying out the quiet, unseen work of “his Friend.” With Christmas fast approaching, he has renovated a beautiful cottage to bestow upon an as-yet-unknown person who is homeless and friendless. When his path crosses that of Lily Winthrop and her grandfather, Mr. Thornton sees a clear object for his charity. Will his act of giving remain anonymous, or will Lily and her grandfather discover the secret donor of their miraculous Christmas gift?
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Mrs. Warner is in despair. After her beloved daughter marries a young pastor and moves away, the once-cheerful woman cannot muster a smile for her husband, the Deacon. It will take a lonely November evening and the comforting strains of a few old hymns for this devoted couple to rediscover their faith and their gratitude for one another.
The Deacon’s Songs
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What One Rose Did
It was a simple act of kindness when Lily Haines offered Cindy Barker a rose from her garden; but neither young lady could predict how much of a difference the presence of that single rose could make in the Barker family home.
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Ten Bushels
Newlyweds Annette and Philip Lyman agree on everything. From the books they read to furnishing their house, their tastes are in perfect harmony. But when Philip criticizes Annette’s choices in the kitchen, their first quarrel quickly escalates until they barely utter a word to each other. Who can help this once loving couple find love and harmony again?
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Aunt Maria’s Afterwards
Grandma’s bedroom is a welcoming place where all the cousins gather to talk; so when two of the cousins plan a shopping trip for new bonnets, all the girls, including Grandma, must be consulted! But amid their happy chatter, it only takes a few thoughtless words to wound a spirit and change one life forever.
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Spring Blossoms and Tenths
Ruth’s mite box is empty! She has only three weeks to earn the pennies needed to fill her offering box for missionary work–but how? It seems like a hopeless situation until her dear grandmother helps Ruth realize God has already provided and answer to her problem.
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The Wife’s Dilemma
Newlywed Dora Avery is educated in math and science, and speaks several languages; but she’s never learned the art of keeping house. Every dish she sets before her new husband is either burnt or sour. Before long Dora realizes that all her logical plans and recipe books won’t fill her husband’s empty stomach! She must hire an experienced cook or learn the proper way to prepare meals herself. But how?
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Miss Whitaker’s Blankets
In the “Season of Giving” Miss Rachel Whitaker is no stranger to charitable causes. She’s a good Christian woman who faithfully donates to her church and mission boards, like her parents did before her. But when she is confronted by someone in need on her own doorstep, will she answer the call?
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Sunday Fractures
One lovely Sabbath morning the Reverend Dr. Selmser delivers an earnest, heart-felt sermon and hopes his message touches the hearts of all who hear it. But there’s mischief afoot in the congregation. Some members of his church refuse to believe he was talking to them. But one church member, with a touch of guilt in her heart, takes exception to the minister’s sermon and exacts revenge, never dreaming her actions may tear the church apart.
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My Aunt Katherine
When Miss Esther Harlowe decides to visit the residents of a nearly Old Ladies’ Home, she only wants to bring a little bit of cheer to the residents’ lives. But when she meets Katherine Lyman, she feels an instant bond with the elderly Christian woman. Soon Esther looks forward to their visits just as much as Katherine does, and Esther quickly discovers that under Katherine’s guidance, her life will never be the same again!
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